It's easy to make mistakes during your first couple years of online learning. An About.com article warns readers of the 7 most common mistakes distance learners make. Among them: not getting credit when it's due, intimidating potential employers, paying too much, and procrastinating.

The article also suggests that distance learners make an effort to connect with online peers and professors:

"One of the most rewarding experiences in education is learning through collaboration. Forming meaningful relationships with your peers and professors can allow you to learn more, stay motivated, and have an outlet to express your own understanding of subject matter. Don't let yourself miss out on the benefits of these relationships just because your classrooms are online. Stay connected through message boards, chat rooms, email, and other virtual resources."